Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume I, Foundations of Foreign Policy

85. Memorandum From the President’s Assistant for National Security Affairs (Brzezinski) to President Carter¹

Washington, June 2, 1978

SUBJECT

• Speech on U.S.-Soviet Relations

I believe the speech should outline certain fundamental propositions regarding the relationship—and not focus much on current policy issues, be they SALT, human rights, or Africa. The public—and the world—need to be reminded that what is involved is “a long haul” policy—not a series of either quick fixes or dramatic shifts.² Your statement on the “fundamentals” would thus provide the framework for your specific policies, and reassure all concerned that the United States has a clear sense of direction.

Anything you say will be scanned most carefully for “soft” or “hard” signals, and this makes it all the more important that the tone be consistent with your own sense of measured determination.³ The press will be only too eager to find evidence of a new turn.

As I see it, the central difficulty we confront—one truly vital to our national future—is the Soviet inclination to exploit global turbulence for shortsighted gains, while engaging in a massive military buildup which increasingly gives it additional political leverage. This challenge must be confronted in a responsible way, which is neither alarmist nor escapist.⁴

Accordingly, I attach two items:

1. Some suggested language;⁵

2. Some conclusions from a recent NIE dealing with growing Soviet capabilities, and their political implications.⁶

1. Source: Carter Library, Office of the Staff Secretary, Handwriting File, Presidential File, Box 89, Annapolis Speech: 6/7/78 [2]. Secret. The President did not initial the memorandum. According to Brzezinski, the President decided to deliver a formal speech on U.S.-Soviet relations: “After telling us that he expected all of us to hew to one line, and that Vance should be the principal public spokesman on foreign policy, he then proceeded to develop the draft of the speech entirely on his own.” (Power and Principle, p. 320) The President did, however, request that Brzezinski, Brown, Turner, and Vance provide him with speech outlines. Brown’s and Turner’s outlines, sent under June 2 cover memoranda, are in the Carter Library, Hertzberg Donated Historical Material, Speech Files, Box 5, Annapolis, June 7, 1978. For Vance’s points, outlined in a June 2 letter to Carter, see Document 86. Hertzberg and Doolittle’s suggested outline, sent to the President under a June 2 memorandum, is in the Carter Library, Hertzberg Donated Historical Material, Speech Files, Box 5, Annapolis, June 7, 1978.
2. The President underlined “‘a long haul’ policy.”
3. The President underlined “measured determination.”
4. The President underlined most of this paragraph.
5. The 5-page outline is not printed. The President underlined most of the outline.
6. Not found attached. Presumable reference to NIE 11–4–78, “Soviet Goals and Expectations in the Global Power Arena,” May 9, which is scheduled for publication in Foreign Relations, 1977–1980, vol. IV, National Security Policy.